Child Life Specialist (Full Time)

Navian Hawaii; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 38,407 - 49,207; Full time

Job summary

Navian Hawaii is seeking a Child Life Specialist to create a supportive environment for children facing serious illness. This role includes developing care plans, addressing psychosocial needs, and fostering healing through creative expression. Applicants should have a Master’s Degree in Social Work or Psychology and at least 2 years of healthcare experience, preferably in hospice.

This position requires travel across Oahu, with general working hours Monday to Friday, and competitive hourly rates between $27.88 and $35.72. Join us in delivering compassionate care and making a difference in our community.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Social Work or Psychology from an accredited school.
• Valid Clinical Social Worker License in the State of Hawaii preferred.
• 2 years of recent experience in health care required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with care team to develop care plans.
• Identifies and supports coping strategies for children.
• Plans and leads creative expression and play activities.
• Integrates child life goals into total care during meetings.
• Provides a safe therapeutic environment for children.

Skills

Outstanding communication skills

Ability to prioritize

Ability to collaborate

Skilled in holistic care

Ability to identify psychosocial needs

Ethical conduct

Education

Master’s Degree in Social Work or Psychology

Valid Clinical Social Worker License in Hawaii

Job description

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The Child Life Specialist promotes a healthy, healing environment for children and their families as they cope with life‑threatening illness through assessment, advocacy, and education. They will proactively support efforts that ensure delivery of developmentally appropriate care in addition to promoting a safe environment throughout service.

Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborates with appropriate care team members, contributing to the development and implementation of a specialized plan of care by assessing and identifying developmental, temperament, copying style, social, sensory, and emotional needs
• Identifies, educates, and supports the use of developmentally appropriate coping strategies with children and families facing illness, disability, and/or death/loss
• Plans, organizes, and leads individuals/groups in creative expression, self‑healing, and developmental play. Encourages socialization whenever possible, with peers, siblings, and family members through developmentally appropriate play activities
• Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary team by integrating child life goals into total care of the child/family during team meetings, interdisciplinary case conferences, and staff meetings
• Provides a safe, therapeutic, and healing environment for infants, children, adolescents, and families
• Responds to crisis situations appropriately, effectively, and calmly to ensure ongoing safety of children/families
• Implementation of developmentally appropriate legacy and memory activities for the child and/or siblings facing end of life, to allow expression of feelings, and inclusion in the process
• Communicates on an ongoing basis with nursing staff as to plans, interventions, and progress issues that impact physical care/status of child and family
• Maintains current, accurate patient records in accordance with established protocols
• Performs other duties as required / Other duties as assigned

Knowledge and Skills Requirements

• Outstanding communication, education, and customer service skills
• Ability to prioritize, solve problems, manage multiple tasks, and work independently
• Ability to collaborate with others on the interdisciplinary team with community partners
• Skilled in providing holistic care to patients and their families
• Ability to identify and address psychosocial needs
• Demonstrates ethical conduct and judgement that is in harmony with the mission and values of Navian Hawai’i
• Adheres to all policies, procedures, and regulations regarding patient care, conduct, safety, fire, security, risk management, and personnel policies

Experience and Education Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Social Work or Psychology from an accredited school
• Valid Clinical Social Worker License in the State of Hawaii preferred
• 2 years of recent experience in health care required
  • Hospice experience preferred

Employment Requirements

• A legally compliant background check
• Drug screen & physical exam
• Valid Driver’s License
• Reliable transportation with valid registration and insurance
• TB clearance
• CPR BLS Certification

Working Conditions

• Indoors in patient homes or Hospice Hawai’i homes, nursing, and acute care facilities; may include outdoors in all types of weather

Work Location

This position is based in the field, requiring travel to patient homes, facilities, and offices throughout Oahu using a personal motor vehicle

Hours

• Generally, Monday through Friday 8am-4:30pm
  • Position may require weekend, night, or holiday availability

$27.88-$35.72 Hourly

About Us

Navian Hawaii is a legacy kama'aina nonprofit hospice and palliative care organization deeply committed to serving our community. For more than 44 years, we have demonstrated compassion, dignity, and excellence in delivering care to individuals and families facing serious illness and end‑of‑life journeys. We proudly extend our services across Oahu as well as in‑patient at our Kailua Home (closed for renovation, re‑opening 2027).